One’s own political preoccupations are just politics. Identity politics is what other people do. … Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Wendy Doniger: Many Masks, Many Selves 
Jan 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Individuals are often driven to self-impersonation through the pressure of public expectations.… Read the rest
Christian Embassy
Jan 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
So the Pentagon is full of fundamentalists, what’s the problem?… Read the rest
Inquiry into Christian Embassy Sought
Jan 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
DOD asked to investigate whether officers violated regs by appearing in a video for Xian group.… Read the rest
Umran Javed Found Gulity of Soliciting Murder
Jan 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Cries of ‘Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb,’ seen as threatening.… Read the rest
Seymour Martin Lipset 1922-2007
Jan 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Sociologist and political theorist.… Read the rest
Julian Baggini on the Tyranny of Time
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If the gallop of time cannot be halted, can it at least be harnessed?… Read the rest
Johann Hari on the Tale of the Gay Sheep
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We cannot ring-fence whole areas from investigation because we might not like what we hear.… Read the rest
Pork Soup Not Illegal, French Judge Finds
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Denunciation is one thing, banning is another.… Read the rest
Creationism Edging into UK Schools
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
12 prominent academics wrote to Tony Blair saying ID should be taught as part of science.… Read the rest
Some Robust Good Advice
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Let’s have more shame, deference, unquestioning obedience, and respect.… Read the rest
Tariq Ramadan Calms Our Fears
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We must see the other’s world as a source of richness, not as a threat.’ Depends, dunnit.… Read the rest
Executing Saddam Was an Act of Vandalism
Jan 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
His mind would have been a unique resource for historical, political and psychological research.… Read the rest
Celebrities Told to Get it Right
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Madonna, Juliet Stevenson cited for bad science. What about Prince Charles?… Read the rest
When Celebrities Talk About Science
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Actors, models, tv presenters burble nonsense. What about Prince Charles?… Read the rest
Stars Must Check Scientific Facts
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Some celebrity-backed campaigns have done more harm than good.’ Ya think?… Read the rest
Sense About Science
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Stars are often drawn into promoting theories, therapies, and campaigns that make no scientific sense.… Read the rest
Nigel Warburton Interviews Nerd
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Calls B&W one of the most intellectually stimulating websites around. Well said.… Read the rest
Inexplicable Atheism Outbreak
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
What could possibly explain such a thing?… Read the rest
Believers Bathe in Polluted River to Wash Away Sin
Jan 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Police say number of people will vary, with much larger numbers bathing on particularly auspicious days. … Read the rest
